This video will show you how to use a simple form to access real scientific data that you can use in your study of El Niño. By selecting different parameters on the form, you can retrieve maps and graphs that show just the data you want.

Let's look at how the form works. In this investigation of El Niño, you can look at data for Sea surface temperature or Chlorophyll-a. Both data sets were collected by satellite instruments orbiting the Earth. Let's select “Sea Surface Temperature.”

You can choose to view data a map showing the data across a region of the Earth or a graph of data values along one line of latitude. Let's choose “map.” Notice that when you make your selection, the region outlined in red on the map changes accordingly.

Dates are entered as the day, month, and year. The range of available dates may change depending on the data set. Let's select 16-December-1997.

Finally, you can choose the output format you want. Let's choose “image,” which will return a map or graph that you can view on your screen. You can also choose a data file that you can save on your computer and open in a spreadsheet program.

When you have made your selections, click the Get Data button. Your request will be sent to the data server, and there may be a short delay while the server processes your request. The result will be displayed on your computer in a new browser window.

Now let's take a closer look at how you can use the form to select a geographic region. When selecting a Map view, use your mouse to click and drag the crosshairs to change the region boundaries. When you release the mouse button, the new region will be drawn, and the new latitude and longitude coordinates will be displayed in the boxes below the map. You can also enter the latitude and longitude coordinates directly. Simply put your cursor in the box you wish to change, type a new value, then hit Tab or Enter to update the map region.

If you select the Graph view, the region shown on the map will collapse to a single line of latitude. To change the location of this line, you must type the new values into the latitude and longitude coordinate boxes.

When you are satisfied with the region you've selected, click the Get Data button to retrieve the graph.

You can print the results using your printer, or save the file to your computer to view later. On a PC, right-click with the mouse and select “Save as....” On a Mac, hold down the Ctrl key and click with the mouse. Give the image a filename so that you can find it later.

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